Sarah Said She Won't... This Year...

I decided to take a hiatus from running the Boston Marathon this year.  As someone who never liked to run to begin with, doing the marathon seemed like an impossible feat - something I never thought I would do, something I never thought I would have the desire to do, but something that I actually became inspired to do.  I ran on the Dana-Farber Marathon Challenge Team two years in a row, fundraising over $17,000 in two years - wow.  That's a big number written like that! But this year, I'm taking a break. That being said, one of my very best friends Julie is running.  She ran last year with me, and she's tackling it again, she's in New York City, she jaunts  up to Boston (by bus...) every now and then to train on the course, but she too is fundraising and running for Dana-Farber.

Check out her blog - it's awesome...

http://juliedoesbeantown.tumblr.com/

And if you have a little in your wallet, but even more in your heart, see if you can make a gift to her fundraising.... Every dollar adds up.  And if not, then follow her journey - she's got some great insight on men and running :)

The Stockdale Paradox

I'm reading a book right now, Good to Great, written by Jim Collins, and I highly recommend it for anyone who looking for a bit of inspiration and insight for how to be a better business leader, or person in general.  It's not so much a motivational book, as a fact driven piece based on a number of studies of businesses who took their business from good - to great.  It's all been very interesting, but here's a little something that stands out...

"The Stockdale Paradox"

"Retain faith that you will prevail in the end, regardless of the difficulties.  And at the same time, confront the most brutal facts of your current reality, whatever they might be."

Do What You Can...

If you haven't been witness to the coverage of the horrible earthquake that shook Haiti to its core, all you need to do is go to the internet, the news, or the magazine rack.  If you're reading the articles and experiencing the images from any of those vehicles, I hope you realize that you're blessed to be on the spectator side.  The tellings of tragedy will continue to emerge, the ones of miracles and hope may begin to dwindle, but this event of colossal disruption and damage isn't going away.  If you have a roof over your head, a meal tonight, or a drink of water this afternoon like I have, then I hope you'll take a moment to feel thankful for those things.  You've heard it elsewhere, and I want to put it here, I hope you can make a donation to  help.  For those of you that work in fundraising you know that every dollar ads up - $10 can make a difference, and no matter how we may struggle financially, I hope you'll do what you can. 

Red Cross

unicef

Or text "HAITI" to "90999"

It is the greatest of all mistakes to do nothing because you can only do little - do what you can.  ~Sydney Smith

The Chopper Killed My Teeth

I had a traumatic dream the other night that’s interesting and vivid enough for me to remember and want to understand.  It was filled with action, trauma, people close to me.  I can’t recall what got me to this place, I think there was a chase, but I was in a room – in a house, not my house – but somewhere.  I was standing with a close friend of mine when we heard a helicopter.  It was dark outside, nighttime, and as we looked through the glass window, the helicopter (I think it was a news station) was too close, it was crashing and ended up taking a direct nose dive right in front of us.  Literally, the nose of the helicopter crashed into the pavement, right there, igniting a huge fireball that I somehow managed to anticipate.  I knocked down my friend to protect us both from the fire, the shattering glass, and the debris that were flying toward us.  The next thing I know, I’m standing, cupping my hand to my chin, and all of my teeth have fallen out into my hand.  I don’t think I felt pain, just urgency to save my mouth, save my teeth, and maybe save my smile – which is what arguably what I’m known for.

Back to real life.  The next day, I’m walking to see if I can catch a glimpse of the President, and something sparks a memory of the dream I had last night.  It’s vivid, it’s real, it’s colorful when I’m awake.  In my adventure to try and see the President, two things happen – a security chopper is circling above the buildings and a police officer on the street who I’d been talking with, left me with these parting words, “keep smiling.”

I’m not a big dream analyzer, but I think this one is pretty weird.  Especially because I’m still thinking about it 2 days later. 

Back to Posting Post Its

Some of you may know this about me already, some of you may not.  But I post post it notes around my apartment when I want something.  They can be very broad - "happiness" for example. Or more specific "my back is fine" - when I was dealing with a back problem.  I believe that if you're constantly seeing a reminder, or reading something, it enters your subconscious and actually takes affect.  It's like the law of physics, that "like attracts like" - if you put a positive thought out into the universe, then you get a positive action, reaction, or thought back.  Likewise, if you put a negative thought out "there", there's a good chance you'll continue to get negative thoughts, feedback or consequences.  

My post it notes have been gone for awhile, with the exception of two in regards to money, but I just went on a spree.  I now have two on my fridge, two on the wall by my front door, and four on my bathroom mirror.  I'm not going to reveal what they say, but if I get what I want, and what I want is what I'm reading on my post its, then I'll let hopefully let you know soon.

In the meantime, check out The Secret if you haven't.  It was recommended to me by one my best musician friends, Syd, and while the design might be a little hoakey - the message isn't if you're open to it.  

Try Saying....

Yes. Yes. Yes. Yes. Yes. Yes. Yes. Yes. Yes. Yes. Yes. Yes. Yes. 
Yes. Yes. Yes. Yes. Yes. Yes. Yes. Yes. Yes. Yes. Yes. Yes. Yes. 
Yes. Yes. Yes. Yes. Yes. Yes. Yes. Yes. Yes. Yes. Yes. Yes. Yes. 
Yes. Yes. Yes. Yes. Yes. Yes. Yes. Yes. Yes. Yes. Yes. Yes. Yes. 
Yes. Yes. Yes. Yes. Yes. Yes. Yes. Yes. Yes. Yes. Yes. Yes. Yes. 
Yes. Yes. Yes.      Watch the movie Yes Man.       Yes. Yes. Yes. 
Yes. Yes. Yes. Yes. Yes. Yes. Yes. Yes. Yes. Yes. Yes. Yes. Yes. 
Yes. Yes. Yes. Yes. Yes. Yes. Yes. Yes. Yes. Yes. Yes. Yes. Yes. 
Yes. Yes. Yes. Yes. Yes. Yes. Yes. Yes. Yes. Yes. Yes. Yes. Yes. 
Yes. Yes. Yes. Yes. Yes. Yes. Yes. Yes. Yes. Yes. Yes. Yes. Yes. 
Yes. Yes. Yes. Yes. Yes. Yes. Yes. Yes. Yes. Yes. Yes. Yes. Yes. 
Yes. Yes. Yes. Yes. Yes. Yes. Yes. Yes. Yes. Yes. Yes. Yes. Yes. 

It's not politics... It's personality

It would be hypocritical for me to force anyone to accept anyone - especially after my last post.  I encourage everyone to support who they want, believe what they want, and choose who they want as a role model, friend, or political leader.

With politics such a hotbed of discussion, frustration, and heated conversation, I'm certainly not going to force my political views on someone else, including readers of this blog.  I will however, be honest and open, and tell you that I voted for President Obama, that I still support him, and that I believe in his mission, his work, and his hope for the future of this country.

As I titled this post, I'm not going to make this blog entry a political argument - but a statement about personality.  Whether or not you agree with the President, it is my hope that you see his hope.  He was in Boston today, campaigning for Attorney General Martha Coakley, who is running for MA State Senate.  As the President was speaking at the rally, an anti-abortion activist yelled out, disrupting what otherwise was a peaceful, positive, and energized crowd.  The activist was not alone, but with his young son, who couldn't have been more then 10 years old, and who also started yelling during the President's speech.  Though both were escorted out the room, what I want to point out was how the President responded.  He did not get angry, he did not comment on the rude and disheartening behavior - but instead he remained poised, calm, and eloquent in the face of such disgusting and disrespectful comments - and encouraged the room to do the same, saying "It's okay.  We're okay."  

In my 26 years on this earth, not many of them have been filled with an interest in politics.  But I will tell you, that for the first time in my lifetime, there is someone in office, who has, since day one, inspired me to be better, inspired me to learn about politics, inspired me to vote and get involved, and has given me hope that the people of this country can begin to do good.  The President's personality - the words he chooses to use, the way in which he conveys them, the manner in which he speaks, and the hope that he inspires, are all more then good enough reasons for me to believe in him and the job that he is trying to do.

I challenge you (I think I might be doing that a lot here?) to listen to the President the next time he makes a televised appearance.  And listen with an open mind and open heart.  Because while he might not say what you want to hear "politically", I think it would be hard not to hear, and hopefully appreciate, his intelligence, his eloquence, and his hope to better the world.

Help - Selfless or Selfish?

I just watched a beautiful movie – The Soloist – the movie in which Robert Downey Jr. befriends a brilliant homeless man – Jamie Foxx. But it’s not the names of the actors – it’s the names of the true characters, Nathaniel Ayers and Steve Lopez, a true story of the two men who cross paths in a chance meeting.

I don’t want to go into the specifics of the plot, but more important the message of the story. The message as I interpret it, is that being a friend to someone, whether you know them or not, is the most powerful thing you can do as a human. The definition of friendship (especially in the 21st century) can be discussed for hours, but what it all comes down to, is being there for someone when they need you. Being there for a person, accepting who they are, and not forcing your thoughts, your beliefs, or your desires onto them. But supporting the character of that person, and the way in which they choose to live their life.

The Soloist sent a humbling message. It reminded me of the importance of doing something for others. Also why we do things for others. I challenge you to think about that – and ask yourself – why do I do something for someone? Is it because you truly want to better their existence? Their life? Or is it because you want to better yours? Experience the “warm and fuzzies” that happen when you’ve done good? Does that mean it’s selfish to help other people – when you also benefit? What is your true motive for helping someone?

For me, it’s important to find a balance between the two – the feel good endorphins I experience and the prospect of supporting someone even when I might be uncomfortable with what they want, what they need. When I help someone, stranger or friend, I feel peaceful, lucky, and fulfilled. Selfishly those are emotions I want to have. But when I help someone, I do it with an authentic and genuine desire to support that person. I might not always agree with what that person wants, or feels they need, but that’s when it’s not about me. Next time you extend your hand to help someone, ask yourself why you’re ultimately doing so, and who you honestly want to help – your discovery may be surprising.

In the meantime, watch The Soloist – or read the book written by Steve Lopez. It’s a beautiful story, a beautiful relationship, and a reminder that the human spirit is a gift – a unique present to each and every one of us. Help when you can, help when you want to – and help with a quiet and humbled grace.

Work It Out Saturday

So I realized recently that I haven't posted here about one of my side jobs.  In this "search for myself" I've been doing a bunch of gigs - working at a Red Sox bar, playing Wii for a month at a temporary store on Newbury, and recently I've gotten my hands in a start-up project that's developing an iphone application.. more on that in another post.  BUT, one thing at this moment is consistent, and that's the fact that I teach two classes every Saturday at Dancefit Studio, a dance and fitness studio in Brookline.

Every Saturday at 11:00 am and at 12:15 pm I teach an hour long class called Total Body Burn.  I incorporate dance moves, strength training, ab workouts, and stretching.  Each week we target a different muscle group - this week is legs and .... your back side.  Lots of cardio, lots of music (including some solid 80's throwbacks), and believe it or not, a lot of fun.

First class is free to try out, and then friends and family get half-off individual classes and multi-class packages.  Hope to see some of you guys there!

Check Out DanceFit!
Become a Fan on Facebook!

Save the Date!!! Project Cupid Is Coming!

It's not what you think. I promise I'm not scheming some love story to make Valentine's Day 2010 my best yet.  I'm like the majority of my friends in thinking it's an overrated, commercialized holiday that only serves to increase capitalism and re-enforce the feeling of "not being in love." Cynical? Maybe - but mostly just realistic.


Project Cupid is an event that I became involved in as of today - but I'm just so excited about it that I wanted to post immediately. 


Taking place on Friday, February 5th at Red Sky in Boston, this is a charity event for Dana-Farber Cancer Institute and the Jimmy Fund - a hospital and charity that are incredibly close to my heart.  As a former employee of the Jimmy Fund, I'm very appreciative of the fact that I can continue to be involved, and encourage you all to do what you can as well.  Whether it's attending an event, or making a gift - the mission, the people, the research and the work that is done at DFCI are all truly wonderful things.


SO! On to the details... What is Project Cupid? It's an auction - but not just any auction.  An auction that involves men and women, "bachelors and bachelorettes" if you will.  And I will.  Because yours truly is going to be up on the auction block that night.  So get out the dollar dollar bills yo and start saving! 


100% of the money raised that night will go to the Jimmy Fund and the evening honors the memory of Isaias, a nine year old who lost his battle with cancer shortly before his 10th birthday.  I encourage you all to go to the website in order to learn more about the event and reason behind it.  Read More Here...


You can also do your part to help spread the word by becoming a fan of the Facebook Page...


Please save the date, Friday February 5th, and share this news with your friends.... What better way to end the work week then by helping out such a wonderful cause, having a few good laughs, and hearing someone say "Going Once, Going Twice, Sold...."  about me (and a group of other fine guys and gals). 

A Little of This... A Little of That...

I'm working on a random project for AT&T right now.  I was given an iphone (I have one already, but they gave me a new one to try - annnd it's a newer model.... score) and I get to try out AT&T service.  I take a picture each day, post it to an AT&T website that people across the country are also posting to, and then pass the phone onto 5 more of my friends to try out.  

Here's the link in case you're curious: AT&T Real Voices.

I don't blog on it the way I do this - but still, it's kind of fun to see what other people are saying....

Clarity through Broken Expectations...

Situation 1.
Have you ever been in one of those situations where you have so many options about something that you get totally overwhelmed? It's like that Mae West quote that I love so much "Too much of a good thing, is wonderful...." That's true.  Yet at the same time, too many good options can be burdensome in a way.  So many good things to choose from - which do you pick?


Situation 2.
What about discomfort? What about expectations? By nature we put a lot of expectations on ourselves, on other people - and often times we find ourselves in a state of discontent, anger, frustration, when what we were expecting doesn't work out as planned.


I just had moment where I married the two feelings mentioned above.  Stick with me - I might get theoretical.  I have a number amazing opportunities in my life right, it's like a multiple choice question about my life - and I want to select "all of the above."  At the same time, I have high expectations set for certain situations, high hopes, that weren't fully realized. 


Two very different life situations occurred simultaneously.  Situation 1: Lots of positive opportunities presenting... Situation 2: Disappointment from unfulfilled expectations.   When my expectations took a hit, I was able to find clarity in what I want - I was able to make a decision about all those positive opportunities.  What is going to work best for me.  It was like a yin and yang moment.  A moment where I stopped putting expectations on other people, and looked at myself - and realized that I'm in control.  I make the choices.  Selfish? Maybe.  Liberating? Definitely.  

The Twitch with a Twist

We all get that annoying eye twitch every now and again - some people say it's from stress, others because you're over tired - but we've all had it, and we all know how annoying it can be.

Or ever had a twitch in your lip? It's like someone is pulling an invisible string every now and then just making your lip move in the slightest way, that you feel like everyone can see, but in reality no one does?

I've got a new one. A new twitch that's happening RIGHT at this moment. Ready for it??

Inside of my left forearm! I'm sorry, what? I'm right handed for starters, I'm not stressed to my knowledge, I definitely am not over tired, and I haven't done anything overly strenuous. But it's driving me crazy... I can feel this little irregular pulsating every few minutes that is doing nothing more then messing up my sanity. Weird.

Anybody else have twitches in strange locations? Please say I'm not alone in this misery... Bueller? Bueller?

Better Luck Next Time...

Well, you can't be the best at everything right?! Sadly, I did not have the best essay in the Real Simple essay contest I talked about in my last post. After constant refreshing of the website, a new page finally appeared last night, shortly after mid-night, naming a woman from Arizona the winner. So congratulations to Andrea Avery Decker - her essay will be in the March issue of Real Simple - I'm looking forward to reading it, comparing writing styles, and learning about when someone else realizes that they've grown-up.

If anyone who reads this comes across any interesting writing contests, please let me know! I'll give you a piece of the prize when I finally win! :)

Anxiously Waiting...

So I entered an essay contest with Real Simple magazine last fall - the essay was due the first of September, and required a response to the following question: "When did you realize you had become a grown-up?" Think about that for a few minutes. Some people may base it on a tangible experience, like when they moved out of their parents house, or found the first gray hair. Or maybe it was an experience of losing someone - maybe you still haven't grown-up!

I entered this contest, that has a grand prize of $3,000 - a fully expenses paid trip to NYC, and most important - meetings with the editors of Real Simple magazine. I remember when I entered thinking that it seemed like forever until the would announce the winner - but now the time has come. The winner is supposed to find out after January 3, 2010 - and the results will be posted on the Real Simple website after January 8th - TOMORROW!!

There's a piece of me that's holding out hope that I could be the grand prize winner - another piece of me is saying that if I had one, I would know already. Nonetheless, I've been checking the Real Simple website 10 times a day for the last 7 days, just to see if there is anything new. So far, no dice.

Regardless of whether or not I emerge the big winner, I gained a lot from writing my entry. I'm not necessarily going to go into all the details, but long story short, I wrote about a very challenging and personal time that I went through with my family. There were a lot of emotions involved that I hadn't previously experienced, I saw my parents from a different viewpoint, and as a family, I think we all grew a little closer - despite some scary times. Writing about the situation forced me to relive a difficult time, but also to recognize the ways in which I grew from it, and the ways in which we all evolved into bigger, better, people.

I shared the essay with my parents before submitting it, which was also a learning experience. I think the degree of emotion, as well as subject matter may have caught them a little off guard, but all in all, it was beneficial to have everything out in the open, and revisit a difficult time for us all.

My conclusion was that I've grown-up by way of these type of experiences. The ones in which you have to take charge, take a role, and take some type of responsibility when others might not necessarily be able too. At the same time, I realized I'm going to continue to grow - and that I might never be fully "grown-up" - because really, what's the fun in that?

Keep your fingers crossed for me, I'll let you know what happens...

New Year, Same Girl.

I've always been a list maker. I've always been the one to write down my goals at the start of a new year. It doesn't matter how big, or how small the goal, I've written it down. From flossing my teeth daily, to running a marathon, to the obligatory "lose 5-10 lbs" that most women put on their list for the new year.

The start of 2008 I made a huge list of goals. Some larger then I ever imagined. That year I managed to achieve everything on that list. So what next? It's a little depressing when you realize you've achieved everything you wanted to, and still haven't figured out what's next. It kind of left me feeling lethargic, like I did all I needed too and didn't have much else to accomplish. Sad right?

The start of 2009 I took a different approach. After going through a rough spot in my mid-twenties, I decided I would take the pressure off myself. I didn't write a list - I didn't write my yearly goals. That's the first time I can remember that I didn't start my new year off with a list of goals. But you know what? It worked out ok. Without feeling the pressure to complete something, without having to figure out what comes next, I just let my year happen - and I still managed to accomplish big things, pursue big things, and learn to like myself more then I ever have.

So here we are. January 1, 2010. A start of a new year, and a new decade. This year I'm going to take a new route. Rather then list all the things I want to achieve, I'm going to write a mission statement. One filled with words I want to live by, words I want to shape my life around. I'm going to create a personal mantra that I hope will inspire me, inspire others, and support a happy, healthy, and prosperous lifestyle. Forget the pressure, forget the "I have to" and focus on the "I get to."

If I get brave enough, I might post it. But for now, it's for my eyes only.

Happy New Year everyone. I hope that it's filled with strength, happiness, and peace.